Pat Lambie is almost certain to be absent from Saturday’s clash with the Stormers through injury.

Lambie missed the play-off against the Reds at the weekend with an ankle problem which he is unlikely to recover from in time to be considered for selection. This will see Louis Ludik continue at fullback.

However, exciting midfielder Paul Jordaan could be fit for the Newlands match after tweaking his hamstring in Brisbane. The youngster has battled the injury since the Junior World Championships. He was hooked at the Suncorp Stadium as a precaution and the medical staff are confident he will recover.

Fatigue will be one of the biggest obstacles to the Sharks’ ability to produce their optimum level of performance. But head coach John Plumtree said that can not be offered as an excuse.

‘As the week progresses everyone will start feeling better and by Saturday they will be raring to go,’ he told Die Burger.

‘We obviously have to be clever in our preparations. Everyone talks about the travel factor, but we knew we’d have to travel if we were to make the playoffs, the only issue was, whereto.

‘I think it’s a long road, but it’s nice to come home and the guys are really upbeat about their prospects.’